Yao sticking to rules on Zhou's eligibility

Yao Ming, chairman of Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), on Saturday appeared to rule out giving Zhou Qi a special exemption to play in this season's domestic league.

Zhou was waived by the Houston Rockets last month and is now back in China, hoping primarily for a return to the NBA but also considering options at home.

Several top CBA teams are keen to acquire Zhou, while defending champion Liaoning has denied reports that it has already signed the former CBA All-Star center on a four-year contract.